When hurt on the job, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Your medical bills and lost wages from work are covered by the workers’ comp program in Augusta, Georgia. This program affords employees that are injured at work the ability to receive coverage through their employer as well as the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. But, if you receive a workers’ comp denial, you may be wondering where to turn and how you can seek compensation for your medical expenses.
Causes of Workers’ Comp Denials in Augusta, Georgia
While the law is intended to protect employees hurt on the job, Augusta, Georgia workers’ comp denials can and do happen for injury claims. There are a variety of reasons why a claim will receive a workers’ comp denial in Augusta, Georgia. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Missed reporting deadline: You only have 30 days from the date of your workplace accident that caused your injuries to report your workers’ comp claim to your employer. Failure to report these injuries within the 30-day timeframe could result in a workers’ comp denial. For this reason, you should try to file your injury claim immediately after the accident.
- Employer disputed the claim: Another reason you may receive a workers’ comp denial in Augusta, Georgia is if your employer disputes your injury claims. You have rights under the law when an employer denies your workplace injuries. You need to speak with a Augusta, Georgia workers’ comp attorney to discuss the process for workers’ compensation appeals to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
- Your condition was not approved: Often times your injury claims are not recognized by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. There are disabilities that could be caused by a workplace accident, but the board does not provide coverage for them under the workers’ comp program. In these cases, you will need the help of a workers’ compensation attorney to help you fight your workers’ comp denial in Augusta, Georgia.
- Your condition was not severe enough for benefits: If the State Board of Workers’ Compensation determines that your injuries are minor and not deserving of benefits, this could also lead to a workers’ comp denial. A lawyer can help fight this denial by filing an appeal for your injury case.
What Do I Do After a Workers’ Comp Denial in Augusta, Georgia?
When your claim for workers’ compensation benefits has been denied, you need to work with a lawyer to fight this decision by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. They can work with you through the workers’ compensation appeals in Augusta, Georgia and fight to get you the benefits you deserve for your workplace injury.
As part of the Augusta, Georgia workers’ compensation appeals process, you have a hearing in a Georgia court before an Administrative Law Judge. This is similar to a trial case as both sides will present their case. Your workers’ compensation attorney will present your injury claims in a concise manner that helps to prove the extent and severity of your injuries that you sustained at work.
When you lose benefits because of an Augusta, Georgia workers’ comp denial, a lawyer can work to get you an appeal hearing so you can get compensation as soon as possible in your case. While it is possible to complete the Augusta, Georgia workers’ compensation appeals process without a lawyer present, it is advisable that you work with a workers’ comp attorney to present your case in accordance with the law using all the tools available to prove your injury claims.
Your workers’ comp attorney will fight your Augusta, Georgia workers’ compensation denial and through the help of medical documents and a doctor’s’ testimony, show the debilitating limitations of your injuries.
How Does the Workers’ Comp Appeals Process Work in Augusta, Georgia?
The Augusta, Georgia workers’ comp appeals process starts with you filing a form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation as soon as possible after your denial. Your appeals hearing occurs within 60 days from the date the Administrative Law Judge receives the filing of your appeal. The hearing is held in a court within the county of your employer. You have a right to have a workers’ comp attorney present to fight your injury claims during your appeal, and it is important that you exercise this right to increase the chances of a successful trial.
Consult with a Georgia Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
When you receive an Augusta, Georgia workers’ comp denial, an attorney can help you fight for workers’ comp benefits for your workplace accident. The workers compensation attorney Augusta GA at Ted A. Greve & Associates can help you secure your benefits and help you through the workers’ compensation appeals process from start to finish. Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your case.
